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Viola van Onselen

Personal profile

Biography

My research focuses on ecosystem-based adaptation and coastal vulnerability assessment, drawing on socio-ecological systems to support climate adaptation in coastal environments. 

My background in Earth Science (BSc, MSc at Utrecht University) and Environmental Geography (PhD at NTNU, Taipei) has shaped my interest in how coastal ecosystems and communities adapt to environmental change. Followed by a Fellowship (Nagasaki University) on nature-based measures to reduce flooding risks and rural revitalization. At the University of Galway, I am continuing this work by exploring pathways towards more sustainable and climate-resilient coastal futures and collaborate with partners around the world to co-develop innovative approaches that strengthen resilience across Atlantic coastal regions.

Research Projects

BEACONSplus (Building rEsilience in Atlantic COmmunities through iNnovation and Science) is a Horizon Europe project focused on strengthening climate resilience of coastal communities around the Atlantic Ocean through co-creation, knowledge exchange, and nature-based solutions.

Amid rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events, the project will work with coastal communities on both sides of the Atlantic to identify shared and region-specific challenges as well as develop a range of adaptation solutions.

Research Interests

Coastal resilience; Nature-based Solutions (NbS); Climate change adaptation; Socio-ecological systems; Coastal vulnerability assessment; Dune conservation and restoration; Community engagement and participatory approaches; Integrated coastal management; Environmental governance; GIS and remote sensing applications.

Related documents

Education/Academic qualification

Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Sc.

Keywords

  • GB Physical geography
  • GE Environmental Sciences
  • GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
    SDG 2 Zero Hunger
  2. SDG 4 - Quality Education
    SDG 4 Quality Education
  3. SDG 5 - Gender Equality
    SDG 5 Gender Equality
  4. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
    SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
  5. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  6. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  7. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
  8. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  9. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  10. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action
  11. SDG 14 - Life Below Water
    SDG 14 Life Below Water
  12. SDG 15 - Life on Land
    SDG 15 Life on Land
  13. SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  14. SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
    SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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